Monday, December 1, 2008

First the 1994 Conference Finals, and now this

I set two goals for myself going into this season. Two milestones that, if reached, would let me know that my work here wasn't going to waste.

The first was to top 10,000 visitors in a month. Due largely to rampant Wendel-mania, that happened in November. Thanks to everyone for your continued support.

The second, far more important goal: to have one of my ideas blatantly stolen by an NHL franchise.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Vancouver Canucks!

Canucks.com to celebrate 16 days of Trevor Linden
Nov 27, 2008, 12:39 PM EST Vancouver, B.C. – The Vancouver Canucks are proud to announce that Canucks.com will celebrate 16 Days of Trevor Linden, beginning on Monday, December 1st, 2008. The special 16-day initiative will take an in-depth look at Trevor Linden's career, concluding on December 16th, 2008 just one day prior to Trevor Linden's sweater retirement ceremony.

The 16 Days of Trevor Linden will feature video and print content as well as a series of photo galleries highlighting Linden's hockey career spanning more than two decades. The 16 days of coverage encompasses draft day in 1988 through to his last game on April 5, 2008 and will include stories and accounts from on and off the ice courtesy of former teammates, coaches, fans and countless others impacted by Trevor.

Exclusive commentary from former teammates and coaches will highlight a collection of excerpts to be included in the 16 Days of Trevor Linden. Video content will depict the terrific '94 run to the Stanley Cup, a collection of Linden's most memorable goals from his 19-year NHL career and a number of other significant moments in Linden's career. A compilation of photos will comprise a series of photo galleries including one gallery highlighting some of his many involvements with those in the community.

To access the 16 Days of Trevor Linden, please go to Canucks.com starting December 1st through December 16th, 2008.

The biggest thrill of Trevor Linden's
young life: the time he met Captain Kangaroo

(Glove tap: Canucks Hockey Blog)

What a fantastic idea. Why didn't I think of it?

You can preview the full list here. It kicks off today with Linden's draft day (cough). Future installments will include Linden's emotional return after being traded away (cough), and the heart-felt ovation he received from the home fans late in his final game (dammit, why can't I stop coughing?).

So apparently, this week's trade works out like this: The Leafs get Vancouver's last two GMs, the Canucks get a stolen blog gimmick and a conditional back-stabbing captain to be named later.

I'm going to go ahead and call that even.




7 comments:

  1. I wanted the Canucks to sign Sundin before perusing this, your latest post. After reading your cheap shot to end this post, I want nothing more than for Sundin, the "back-stabber," to end up in a Canucks uniform.

    I really think it's sad the way you're talking about one of the greatest players to ever play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. I hope one day you'll get over your broken heart from Sundin not waiving his no-trade clause and realize that while Sundin could have given us Chris Higgins and a draft pick or two, what he gave us in the end was a whole lot more, and a whole lot more special.

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  2. ...what he gave us in the end was a whole lot more, and a whole lot more special.

    Oh, he gave us something in the end, alright.

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  3. Yeah, chuck the previous 15 years out the window, my friend. None of what he did matters anymore, all because you didn't get your precious Chris Higgins and some draft picks. Cry me a river.

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  4. DGB here's my response to the question you asked me on my blog:

    DGB, right back at you, brother.

    I was actually meaning to ask you about Strachan's comment.

    If Sundin is upset at Fletcher for asking him to waive the no-trade clause, he's out of his mind. Fletcher had to. He was doing his job.

    I think Sundin is upset at how it went down, but I think he's upset with the media for making it such a huge issue. He said time and time again the same thing, that he wanted to remain in Toronto and that he'd said that from day one. I think by the time the deadline rolled around he was sick to death of talking about it.

    I don't think Sundin can be mad at Fletch. They seem to have an amiable relationship. I guess Sundin might have some bitterness towards the franchise for asking him, and having it become a shit storm, but I think most of Sundin's angst is directed at the media.

    Mats denying any interviews while the Toronto media is in LA feeds into that theory as well. He doesn't even want to see Berger, Shoaltsy, and crew. Can you blame him?

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  5. immitation is the most sincere form of flattery, no...?

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  6. Great post DGB. Console yourself with the knowledge that a marketing executive who's never seen a game of hockey in her life was likely paid 6 figures to 'come up' with her great Trevor Linden idea.

    Now onto the comments.

    Whenever I compare Mats Sundin to Leaf Captains of the past, I often wonder what would have happened if Wendel Clark had a no-trade clause back in the day.

    It wouldn't have altered history at all. I say this because Clark has set a 15 year precedent of putting the team first. That's what Captains do. No-trade clause or not, the toughest man in the world would have still been on that podium, bags packed, demonstrating the kind of emotional outpouring expected from someone forced to depart something he's greatly attached to.

    I've never been a fan of Mats Sundin, but I thought his stance last March were honourable. I went out on a limb and gave him this benefit of the doubt. He's never been an adequate Captain in my eyes, but here he was going out as an honest team-first guy. No shot at the Stanley Cup for me, thank you. I don't agree with the concept of being a 'rental player'. It's training camp onward or nothing for me. I'm the Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and I'm going down with the ship.

    Noble sentiments. I didn't even care that his decision set back the rebuilding process by many years.

    eyebeleaf, I respect you for standing up for someone you hold in high regard. But this has nothing to do with Chris Higgins and a few draft picks. It has to do with someone going back on their word.

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  7. I love that picture of Quinn. I don't think I'd be so quick to shake his hand though, he looks kind of creepy.

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